A downloadable game for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
After playing through all the routes, I return to say that this game is lovelier than I expected and one of my all time favorites from you and your team.
The illustrations are wonderful, the character sprites are charming, and I've always adored the mechanic of having them change clothes depending on the day and moment. But what truly draws me into this story is the grim mystery of Sammy's disappearance, and how real the characters feel.
I love that they're not perfect. Leila, Rowan and Aissata each have their own flaws as well as qualities, just like the background characters/other ocs that make cameos in the game. They feel like people, and that is something that I can definitely get behind. In fact, I do not really get along with Aissata because she reminds me of myself so much HAHAH! Their issues are so real to me as a person with severe agoraphobia that borders on being homebound at times. It was a breath of fresh air to get her to walk around in the woods for a while, even if it ends...like that hah.
Rowan specifically has been my favorite experience in this game. MC's moments with her, her personality and circumstances all remind me so much of my own relationship with my partner, so much so that the route had me crying when I finally got to make Rowan smile. I relate so much to that feeling, and it's wonderful to have our sapphic experiences recognized and represented in a media type that is so oversaturated with male visibility.
As for Leila, my god, what a charming character. They're so goofy, I love the contrast with how intimidating they look, definitely one of my favorite tropes that never fails to make me giggle. The distance they're determined to set between them and the rest of the world is something that also hits close to home. Sometimes, when you're struggling to handle yourself and your own life, you truly do think that isolation will make existence easier. It's often quite the contrary.
I wonder what's going on with their father exactly, that guy is extremely suspicious.
Amazing sound design as well! 10/10. I'll play until I find every little easter egg!
